Image forming apparatus which displays a paper feed unit selection screen

ABSTRACT

A printing apparatus includes a display that displays one of a first list including information of part of a plurality of sheet holding units, and a second list, including information of another sheet holding unit, of the plurality of sheet holding units, which is not displayed in the first list, and a user interface that receives a change instruction for changing the first list to the second list. The printing apparatus also includes a controller that controls the display based on the received change instruction received, such that, when an empty state occurs in a sheet holding unit of the part of the plurality of sheet holding units included in the information of the first list, the display initially displays the first list, and, when an empty state occurs in the other sheet holding unit included in the information of the second list, the display initially displays the second list.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/960,535, filed on Aug. 6, 2013, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,432,537, and which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2012-188069, filed on Aug. 28, 2012, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technique for displaying informationof paper contained in a plurality of feeding units and making selectablea feeding unit that a user uses for image forming.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses, such as copy machines andprinters, when printing is performed, in addition to function settingsrelated to various image processing and post-processing on a printedpiece of paper, a user is given the ability to select the paper on whichto print. Also, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2007-243313proposes an image forming apparatus upon which selecting a paper typecorresponding to a printing function setting from out of several hundredpaper types indicating a paper quality of the paper, such as plain paperand thick paper, is made possible.

In the image forming apparatus described above, a paper selectionscreen, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, is displayed, and the userselects a target paper feed tray by making an instruction with an iconfor a paper size, a paper type, or the like, shown on this screen.

Also, in business related to printing, such as in a Print On Demand(POD) environment, cases are expected in which a user uses a paper typeacquired by customizing a name, a grammage, etcetera, of paper, ratherthan the user using a paper type pre-registered in the image formingapparatus.

In a case in which a target paper feed tray is selected from out of aplurality of paper feed trays based on detailed information about thepaper, such as a paper size, a paper name, a grammage, or the like, itcan be conceived that information about paper contained in the pluralityof paper feed trays will be displayed in list format, as in FIG. 2, forexample. There are cases, however, in which an image forming apparatusused in a POD environment comprises no less than ten types of paper feedtrays, and so, with a screen, such as the one in FIG. 2, operation bythe user, such as paging and scrolling, will be necessary in order toconfirm all of the paper feed tray information. For this reason,problems, such as poor viewability of the display, and that selection ofthe paper feed tray is time consuming, exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentionedproblems with the conventional technology.

In this regard, the present invention provides a technique for improvingusability and work efficiency when selecting what paper to use forprinting out of paper stored in a plurality of feeding units.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides an image formingapparatus comprising a plurality of paper feed units, a display unitconfigured to display a paper selection screen for displaying a page ofitems of information of the paper feed units and selecting a paper to beused in print processing by selecting an item of the items ofinformation in the page displayed on the paper selection screen, whereinitems of information of the plurality of paper feed units are dividedinto a plurality of pages, and a control unit configured to control thedisplay unit to display a page among the plurality of pages inaccordance with a status of the image forming apparatus in a case inwhich the display unit displays the paper selection screen.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part ofthe specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts a view for illustrating an example of a conventionalpaper selection screen.

FIG. 2 depicts a view for illustrating an example of a paper selectionscreen displayed on a console unit of a conventional image formingapparatus.

FIG. 3 depicts a view for showing an overall configuration of an imageforming system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for showing a configuration of an imageforming apparatus that is a main unit of the image forming systemaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a view for showing a configuration of the console unit ofthe image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a view for illustrating an example of a paper feed deckmanagement table for managing paper stored in paper feed decks 306through 315 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a case in which a “paperselection” key is pressed in an automatic paper selection mode accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a case in which a “paperselection” key is pressed in a paper feed deck designation modeaccording to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a case in which a paper feeddeck is pulled out in a paper feed deck designation mode according tothe first embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a case in which paper runs outduring printing in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a case in which optimal paperruns out during printing in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are flowcharts for describing a copy processingprocedure in the image forming apparatus according to the firstembodiment.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts for describing a processing procedurefor a case in which paper runs out during printing in the image formingapparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a tab paper print modeaccording to a second embodiment.

FIG. 15 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in an overhead projector (OHP)interleave mode according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a front cover mode according tothe second embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are flowcharts for describing a copy processingprocedure in the image forming apparatus according to the secondembodiment.

FIGS. 18A through 18D depict views for illustrating examples of displaymanagement tables according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionfor a setting/registration screen displayed when a setting/registrationkey on the console unit is pressed according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 20 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen in a case in which a “display by paper typegroup” mode is set according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 21 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen in a case in which a “display by paper sizegroup” mode is set according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen in a case in which a “display by paper typegroup” mode is set according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen in a case in which a “consider other papersizes” mode is set according to the third embodiment.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are flowcharts for describing a copy processingprocedure in the image forming apparatus according to the thirdembodiment.

FIGS. 25A through 25E are views for illustrating examples of displaymanagement tables according to the third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter indetail, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to beunderstood that the following embodiments are not intended to limit theclaims of the present invention, and that not all of the combinations ofthe aspects that are described according to the following embodimentsare necessarily required with respect to the means to solve the problemsaccording to the present invention.

First Embodiment

FIG. 3 depicts a view for showing an overall configuration of an imageforming system 300 according to a first embodiment.

In FIG. 3, the image forming system 300 comprises an image formingapparatus 302 that includes a scanner 301 that is an image input device,a printer 316 that is an image output device and a console unit 303, afinisher 304 and a paper feed accessory 305. Note, with this drawing, anexample is shown in which paper feed decks (feeding units) 306 through315 are arranged in the image forming system 300, but the invention isnot limited to this number of decks.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for showing a configuration of the imageforming apparatus 302 that is a main unit of the image forming system300 according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 302includes the scanner 301, the printer 316 and the console unit 303 ofFIG. 3, and is controlled by a controller 400. Note, in FIG. 4, portionscommon to FIG. 3 are shown with the same reference numbers.

The controller 400 performs input and output of image information,device information, and the like, by connecting to the scanner 301 andto the printer 316 and, on one side, connecting to a local area network(LAN) 411 and to a public network (wide area network (WAN)) 416.

In the controller 400, a central processing unit (CPU) 401 controls theimage forming apparatus 302 as a whole, and performs control for causingeach of types of selection screens to be displayed, described below, tothe console unit 303. Also, the CPU 401 executes processing fordisplaying a flowchart, described below, based on a program loaded intoa random access memory (RAM) 402 from a hard disk drive (HDD) 404. TheRAM 402 is a system work memory for operation of the CPU 401, and it isalso an image memory for temporarily storing image data. Also, functionsettings for paper feed trays, printing, and image processing set fromthe console unit 303 (settings for tab paper printing, OHP interleave,front cover, etc.), information of a display management table, and thelike, described below, are also stored in the RAM 402. A read-onlymemory (ROM) 403 is a boot ROM that stores a system boot program. TheHDD 404 stores system software, image data, and various types ofinformation. Also, information of a paper feed deck management table, adefault display method for a paper selection screen, and the like,described below, are also stored in the HDD 404. When power is turnedon, an operating system (OS) installed on the HDD 404, programs, and thelike, are loaded into the RAM 402 by a boot program in the ROM 403, andcontrol processing by the CPU 401 becomes possible.

A video random access memory (VRAM) 405 stores image data generated bythe CPU 401 and to be displayed on a screen of the console unit 303,described below. A console unit interface (I/F) 406 controls aninterface between the CPU 401 and the console unit 303, and outputsimage data stored in the VRAM 405 to the console unit 303. Also, theconsole unit I/F 406 has a role of transferring information input by auser from the console unit 303 to the CPU 401. A network I/F 410performs information input and output by connecting to the LAN 411. Amodem 415 is connected to the public network 416, and performsinformation input and output with the public network 416. An image pathI/F 409 is a bus bridge for converting data structures, and connects asystem bus 407 and an image bus 408. The devices explained above areconnected to the system bus 407.

The image bus 408 is a bus that transfers image data at high speed andmay be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, an IEEE 1394(published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE), of Piscataway, NJ, United States) bus, or the like. The imagebus 408 is arranged as follows. A raster image processing (RIP) 417extracts a bitmap image from page description language (PDL) code. Adevice I/F 412 connects the controller 400, the scanner 301, and theprinter 316, and performs both synchronous and asynchronous image dataconversion. A scanner image processor 418 performs correction,processing, editing, and the like, on image data input from the scanner301. A print image processor 419 performs correction, resolutionconversion, and the like on image data to be output to the printer 316.An image rotation unit 413 performs rotation of image data. A codec unit414 performs Joint Photographic Expert Group (JPEG)compression/decompression processing on multi-valued image data. Also,the codec unit 414 performs Joint Bi-Level Image Experts Group (JBIG),Modified Modified Read (MMR), and Modified Huffman (MH)compression/decompression processing on binary image data.

The scanner 301 is an image input device that reads from an original andoutputs to the controller 400 image data. The printer 316 is an imageoutput device that prints an image onto paper under the control of thecontroller 400. Also, the printer 316 comprises the paper feed deck 306(FIG. 3) and performs processing for printing onto paper fed from thepaper feed deck 306. Furthermore, the printer 316 is connected bycircuitry to the finisher 304 and to the paper feed accessory 305. Thefinisher 304 performs post-processing, such as sorting and stapling, ona printed piece of paper conveyed from the printer 316. The paper feedaccessory 305 comprises paper feed decks 307 through 315, as shown inFIG. 3, and performs processing for conveying paper to the printer 316from a selected one of the paper feed decks 307 through 315.

FIG. 5 depicts a view for showing a configuration of the console unit303 of the image forming apparatus 302 according to the firstembodiment.

In FIG. 5, the console unit 303 comprises a display unit 502 having afront surface on which a touch panel sheet 501 is attached, a start key503 that is a hardware key, a stop key 504, a reset key 505, a numerickeypad 506, and a setting/registration key 507. On the display unit 502,each of the screens, the softkeys, and the like, described below, aredisplayed under the control of the CPU 401 of the controller 400.

When the display part of a softkey displayed on the display unit 502 ispressed by the user, position information is transmitted to the CPU 401.In this description, the process in which the user designating thesoftkey via the touch panel sheet 501 and the CPU 401 determining thatthe softkey is pressed will be called softkey pressing. The start key503 is used to cause the operation of reading an original to start. Thestop key 504 is used to stop an operation in the middle of execution.The reset key 505 is used when initializing settings of the console unit303. The numeric keypad 506 is used when performing input of numbers.The setting/registration key 507 is used when displaying a laterdescribed setting/registration screen.

FIG. 6 depicts a view for illustrating an example of a paper feed deckmanagement table for managing paper stored in paper feed decks 306through 315 according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 6, in the paper feed deck management table, paper feed deckinformation, such as a paper feed deck ID, a paper size, a paper type, aname, a grammage, and a remaining paper amount, is registered. The paperfeed deck identification (ID) is an ID for managing paper feed decksthat identifies the paper feed decks 306 through 315 and is from “1”through “10” for paper feed decks 306 through 315. The paper size isinformation indicating a size of paper that is paper fed from the paperfeed deck indicated by the paper feed deck ID, and a paper size detectedby a sensor in each paper feed deck is registered. The paper type isinformation indicating a type of paper that is paper fed from the paperfeed deck indicated by the paper feed deck ID, and, when printing ontopaper that is fed from a paper feed deck is performed, the printing isperformed under conditions in accordance with print control parametersof the paper type (type of paper) corresponding to the paper feed deckID. The name is information indicating the name of paper that is fedfrom the paper feed deck indicated by the paper feed deck ID, and anycharacter string can be registered so as to be easily discriminable by auser. The grammage is information indicating the grammage of paper thatis fed from the paper feed deck indicated by the paper feed deck ID,and, based on this grammage, the user changes a fixing condition of thepaper. The remaining paper amount is information indicating theremaining amount of paper stored in the paper feed deck indicated by thepaper feed deck ID, and the remaining paper amount detected for acorresponding paper feed deck is registered in the paper feed deckmanagement table. In this way, the paper feed deck management tablestores information of the paper stored in the paper feed decks, andassociates this with information of the paper feed decks.

Next, an explanation will be given for screens displayed on the displayunit 502 of the console unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 302according to the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 7 through 11.

FIG. 7 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof a paper selection screen displayed in a case in which a “paperselection” key 701 is pressed in an automatic paper selection modeaccording to the first embodiment.

At a copy base screen 710, an automatic paper selection mode in which apaper feed deck is not designated is set in a copy main screen (alsoreferred to as the copy base screen). When the CPU 401 detects that a“paper selection” key 701 is pressed in this state, it displays a paperselection screen 711 (first page).

In the paper selection screen 711, in the order of the paper feed deckIDs “1” through “5” of FIG. 6, the paper feed deck ID, a remaining paperamount icon, a paper orientation icon, a paper size, a name, and agrammage, stored in the paper feed deck management table, are displayedas a list. Also, because the paper selection screen 711 displays thatthe automatic paper selection mode is set, an “automatic paperselection” key 702 is invertedly displayed.

Note, in the paper selection screen 711, selection of the paper feeddeck is performed by pressing a line in which a paper feed deck isdisplayed. Also, a user cancels automatic paper selection mode andreturns to the copy base screen 710 by pressing an “OK” key 705 in thebottom right of the screen after having selected the paper feed deck.

When the CPU 401 detects that a page forward key 703 is pressed in thepaper selection screen 711, it displays a paper selection screen 712(second page). In the paper selection screen 712, in the order of thepaper feed deck IDs “6” through “10” of FIG. 6, the detailed informationof the paper feed decks registered in the paper feed deck managementtable is displayed as a list. Also, when the CPU 401 detects that a pageback key 704 is pressed in the paper selection screen 712, the paperselection screen 711 (first page), described above, is displayed. Also,when the CPU 401 detects that the “OK” key 705 is pressed in the paperselection screens 711 or 712, it closes the paper selection screen 711or 712 and returns to the copy base screen 710. By performing this kindof display control, printing can be performed using the paper feed deckcontaining the paper that the user desires.

FIG. 8 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen displayed in a case in which a “paperselection” key 801 is pressed in a paper feed deck designation modeaccording to the first embodiment.

At a copy base screen 810 of FIG. 8, a mode in which paper feeding fromthe paper feed deck 314 having paper feed deck ID “9” is designated isset. When the CPU 401 detects that a “paper selection” key 801 ispressed in the copy base screen 810, it calculates a number of displaypages of the paper selection screen and displays a paper selectionscreen 811 of FIG. 8 (second page). In other words, because the paperfeed deck 314 having paper feed deck ID “9” is selected, the second pagepaper selection screen 811, corresponding to the paper selection screen712 of FIG. 7, including paper feed deck information of paper feed deck314, is displayed.

Also, because the paper selection screen 811 displays that the mode inwhich the paper feed deck 314 having paper feed deck ID “9” isdesignated is set, a line 802 corresponding to paper feed deck ID “9” isinvertedly displayed.

It is possible for the user to cancel paper feed deck designation modeand to switch to automatic paper selection mode by pressing an “OK” key806 at the bottom right of the screen after pressing an “automatic paperselection” key 803 at the top right of the screen in the paper selectionscreen 811. Also, when the CPU 401 detects that the page back key 804 ispressed in the paper selection screen 811, it displays a first pagepaper selection screen 812. Furthermore, when the CPU 401 detects that apage forward key 805 is pressed in the paper selection screen 812, itdisplays the paper selection screen 811 (second page). Also, when theCPU 401 detects that the “OK” key 806 is pressed in the paper selectionscreen 811 or 812, it closes the paper selection screen and returns tothe copy base screen 810.

FIG. 9 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen displayed in a case in which a paper feeddeck is pulled out in a paper feed deck designation mode according tothe first embodiment.

At a copy base screen 910 of FIG. 9, a mode in which paper feeding fromthe paper feed deck 314 having paper feed deck ID “9” is designated isset. When the CPU 401 detects that a paper feed deck designated by thepaper feed deck designation mode is pulled out in a state in which thecopy base screen 910 is displayed, it calculates a number of displaypages of the paper selection screen and displays a paper selectionscreen 911.

Because the paper feed deck 314 having paper feed deck ID “9” is pulledout in paper selection screen 911, the paper selection screen (secondpage) is displayed, and in a line 901 corresponding to the paper feeddeck ID “9”, only the paper feed deck ID and a remaining paper amounticon are displayed. Also, in the paper selection screen 911, in a statein which an “automatic paper selection” key 902 or a paper feed deck isnot selected, an “OK” key 903 is displayed in hatching and operation onthe “OK” key 903 is not accepted so that the paper selection screencannot be closed.

When the CPU 401 detects that the paper feed deck 314 is mounted in astate in which the paper selection screen 911 is displayed, paper feeddeck information of the line 901, which corresponds to the paper feeddeck ID “9”, is displayed and the line is invertedly displayed as in apaper selection screen 912. When the CPU 401 detects that the “OK” key903 is pressed in the paper selection screen 912, it closes the paperselection screen 912 in a state in which the paper feed deck havingpaper feed deck ID “9” is selected, and returns to the copy base screen910. In the paper selection screen 912, it can be seen that the amountof paper in the paper feed deck 314 having paper feed deck ID “9” hasincreased from when the copy base screen 910 is displayed.

FIG. 10 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen displayed in a case in which paper runsout during printing in the first embodiment.

In a copy base screen 1010, a mode in which paper feeding is designatedto be from the paper feed deck 314 having the paper feed deck ID “9” isset. When the CPU 401 detects that the start key 503 of the console unit303 is pressed in this state, it starts print processing and displays acurrently executing dialogue as shown in a screen 1011.

In a case in which an out of paper error occurred here during printing,the CPU 401 determines the paper feed deck that ran out of paper,calculates the number of display pages of the paper selection screen,and displays the paper selection screen 1012. Because in the paperselection screen 1012, paper ran out in paper feed deck 314 having paperfeed deck ID “9”, the second page paper selection screen including paperfeed deck information of the paper feed deck 314 is displayed, a line1001 corresponding to the paper feed deck “9” is displayed, and an iconindicating that paper has run out is displayed in the line 1001. Also,in the paper selection screen 1012, so that print processing cannot berestarted in a state in which the paper feed deck that ran out of paperis selected, by the “OK” key 1002 being displayed in hatching, it isshown that the “OK” key 1002 does not accept operation.

When the CPU 401 detects that the paper feed deck 314 has beenreplenished with paper in a state in which the paper selection screen1012 is displayed, it closes the paper selection screen 1012 anddisplays a currently executing dialogue, as shown in a screen 1013. Whenthe CPU 401 detects that print processing completed in the screen 1013,it closes the currently executing dialogue and returns to the copy basescreen 1010.

FIG. 11 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen displayed in a case in which optimal paperruns out during printing in the first embodiment.

In a copy base screen 1110, the automatic paper selection mode in whicha paper feed deck is not designated is set. When the CPU 401 detectsthat the start key 503 of the console unit 303 is pressed in this state,print processing is started and a currently executing dialogue isdisplayed as shown in a screen 1111.

In a case in which, during printing, an optimal paper run out erroroccurs here, the CPU 401 specifies a second candidate paper feed deck,calculates a number of display pages of the paper selection screen, anddisplays a paper selection screen 1112. In the paper selection screen1112, the paper feed deck 315 having the paper feed deck ID “10” isselected as the second candidate paper feed deck with which recoveryfrom the error is possible. Thus, a second page paper selection screenincluding paper feed deck information of the paper feed deck 315 isdisplayed, and a line 1101 corresponding to the paper feed deck ID “10”and an “automatic paper selection” key 1102 are invertedly displayed.When the CPU 401 detects that an “OK” button 1103 is pressed in thisstate, it closes the paper selection screen 1112 and displays a printprocessing using A3 size and thickness 1 of the paper feed deck ID “10”currently executing dialogue as shown in a screen 1113. When the CPU 401detects that print processing completed in the state of the screen 1113,it closes the currently executing dialogue and returns to the copy basescreen 1110.

Next, explanation for characteristic processing procedure in the imageforming apparatus 302 of the first embodiment is given referring to theflowcharts of FIGS. 12A and 12B and FIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are flowcharts for describing a copy processingprocedure in the image forming apparatus 302 according to the firstembodiment. A program for executing this processing procedure is storedin the ROM 403 or the HDD 404 of the controller 400 and executed whenneeded by the CPU 401. With FIGS. 12A and 12B, explanation will be givenfocusing on display for the paper selection screen up until printprocessing starts.

In FIG. 12A, firstly in step S1201, the CPU 401 displays the copy basescreen to the display unit 502 of the console unit 303, and transitionsto a state of waiting for input from a user. In a case in which the userperforms an input operation on the console unit 303 via the copy basescreen, the processing proceeds to step S1202 and the CPU 401 determineswhether or not the “paper selection” key is pressed. When the “paperselection” key is pressed, the processing proceeds to step S1203 and thepaper selection screen denoted by numeral 711 in FIG. 7 or by numeral811 in FIG. 8 is displayed. On the other hand, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S1202 that the “paper selection” key is not pressed,the processing proceeds to step S1218, and the CPU 401 determineswhether or not a pulling out of a paper feed deck is detected. In a casein which it is determined in step S1218 that a pulling out of a paperfeed deck is detected, the processing proceeds to step S1219, the CPU401 updates information of the paper feed deck management table shown inFIG. 6 called from the HDD 404, stores in the HDD 404 and moves theprocessing on to step S1220. On the other hand, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S1218 that a pulling out of a paper feed deck is notdetected, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1217 (FIG.12B). In step S1220, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the paperfeed deck that is designated in the paper feed deck designation mode ispulled out or not. In a case in which it is determined in step S1220that the paper feed deck that is designated in the paper feed deckdesignation mode is pulled out, the processing proceeds to step S1203,and the CPU 401 calls information of the paper feed deck managementtable from the HDD 404. On the other hand, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S1220 that the paper feed deck that is designated inthe paper feed deck designation mode is not pulled out, the CPU 401advances the processing on to step S1217.

In step S1203, the CPU 401 advances the processing onto step S1204 afterhaving called information of the paper feed deck management table fromthe HDD 404. In step S1204, the CPU 401 calculates a maximum number ofpages (MAX) of the paper selection screen from the number of paper feeddecks that are attached and from the number of paper feed deckinformation items that can be displayed on the paper selection screen.Next, the processing proceeds to step S1205, and the CPU 401 determinesif the mode is automatic paper selection mode or paper feed deckdesignation mode. In a case in which it is determined in step S1205 thatthe mode is paper feed deck designation mode (in other words, a paperfeed deck is designated), the processing proceeds to step S1206 and theCPU 401 calculates the display page number N of a list displayed on thepaper selection screen from the paper feed deck ID and the number ofpaper feed deck information items that can be displayed on the paperselection screen. Here, when the paper feed deck ID “9” is selected asin the previously described in FIG. 8, it is determined that the displaypage number N to display is “2” from the number of paper feed deckinformation items that can be displayed on the paper selection screen811 (here, the number is five). Meanwhile, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S1205 that the mode is automatic paper selection mode(in other words, the paper feed deck is not specified), the processingproceeds to step S1208, and the CPU 401 determines that the display pagenumber N of the paper selection screen is “1” as in the paper selectionscreen 711 of FIG. 7 for example.

After the execution of step S1206 or step S1208, the processing proceedsto step S1207 (FIG. 2B) and the CPU 401 causes the paper selectionscreen, denoted by numeral 711 in FIG. 7 or by numeral 811 in FIG. 8, tobe displayed to the console unit 303 via the console unit I/F 406.

Then, the processing proceeds to step S1209, and the CPU 401 determineswhether or not the page forward key (703 or 805) of the paper selectionscreen is pressed. In a case in which it is determined in step S1209that the page forward key of the paper selection screen is pressed, theprocessing proceeds to step S1211 and the CPU 401 determines whether ornot the display page number N is less than the maximum page number(MAX). In a case in which it is determined in step S1211 that thedisplay page number N is less than the maximum page number MAX, theprocessing proceeds to step S1212, and the CPU 401 advances theprocessing on to step S1207 adding 1 to N to get the display page numberN. On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined in step S1211that the display page number N is not less than the maximum page numberMAX, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1207 withoutchanging the displayed page.

Also, in a case in which in step S1209 it is determined that the pageforward key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, the processingproceeds to step S1210, and the CPU 401 determines whether or not thepage back key of the paper selection screen (704 or 804) is pressed. Ina case in which it is determined that the page back key of the paperselection screen is pressed here, the processing proceeds to step S1214,and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the display page number N isgreater than or equal to 2. In a case in which it is determined in stepS1214 that the display page number N is greater than or equal to 2, theprocessing proceeds to step S1215, and the CPU 401 advances theprocessing on to step S1207 subtracting 1 from N to get the display pagenumber N. On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined in stepS1214 that the display page number N is not greater than or equal to 2,the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1207 without changingthe displayed page.

Meanwhile, in a case in which it is determined in step S1210 that thepage back key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, theprocessing proceeds to step S1213, and the CPU 401 determines whether ornot the “OK” key of the paper selection screen is pressed. In a case inwhich it is determined in step S1213 that the “OK” key of the paperselection screen is pressed, the processing proceeds to step S1216, andthe CPU 401 determines that the paper feed deck selected with the paperselection screen is the paper feed deck to be used for printing. Next,the paper selection screen is closed and the processing proceeds to stepS1217. Meanwhile, in a case in which it is determined in step S1213 thatthe “OK” key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, the CPU 401advances the processing on to step S1209. In step S1217, the CPU 401determines whether or not the start key 503 of the console unit 303 ispressed. In a case in which it is determined in step S1217 that thestart key 503 is pressed, the CPU 401 executes print processing byadvancing the processing on to step S1221. Meanwhile, in a case in whichit is determined in step S1217 that the start key 503 of the consoleunit 303 is not pressed, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to stepS1201 (FIG. 2A) and input from the user is awaited.

In this way, according to the first embodiment, it is possible todetermine a page number of a list display so that paper feed deckinformation corresponding to a designated paper feed deck can bedisplayed even in a case in which the number of paper feed decks islarge and paper feed deck information list display cannot be fit ontothe screen. Because of this, in the paper selection screen, it ispossible for the user to immediately confirm paper feed deck informationcorresponding to a designated paper feed deck.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are flowcharts for describing a processing procedurefor a case in which paper runs out during printing in the image formingapparatus 302 according to the first embodiment. A program for executingthis processing procedure is stored in the ROM 403 or the HDD 404 of thecontroller 400 and is executed when needed by the CPU 401. With FIGS.13A and 13B, explanation will be given focusing on display for the paperselection screen after print processing starts in step S1221 of FIG. 12.

Firstly, in step S1301, the CPU 401 starts print processing. Afterstarting the print processing, the CPU 401, in step S1302, causes thecurrently executing dialogue, shown in the screen 1011 of FIG. 10 or inthe screen 1111 of FIG. 11, to be displayed on the console unit 303 viathe console unit I/F 406.

Then, in step S1303, the CPU 401 determines whether or not aninterruption due to paper running out occurred. In a case in which it isdetermined in step S1303 that an interruption due to paper running outoccurred, the process proceeds to step S1304. In step S1304, the CPU 401determines the paper feed deck that ran out of paper, and advances theprocessing on to step S1305. On the other hand, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S1303 that an interruption due to paper running outdid not occur, the processing proceeds on to step S1306, and the CPU 401determines whether or not optimal paper ran out. In a case in which itis determined in step S1306 that optimal paper ran out, the processingproceeds to step S1307, the CPU 401 determines a paper feed deck fromwhich paper feeding is possible to be a second candidate of theautomatic paper selection mode and advances the processing on to stepS1305. On the other hand, in a case in which in step S1306 it isdetermined that optimal paper has not run out, the CPU 401 advances theprocessing on to step S1320 (FIG. 13B).

In step S1305, the CPU 401 calls information of the paper feed deckmanagement table from the HDD 404. Then, the processing proceeds to stepS1308, and the CPU 401 calculates the maximum page number (MAX) of thepaper selection screen from the number of paper feed decks that areattached and from the number of paper feed deck information items thatcan be displayed on the paper selection screen. Next, the processingproceeds to step S1309, and the CPU 401 calculates a list display pagenumber N to display on the paper selection screen from the paper feeddeck ID corresponding to a paper feed deck that ran out of paper or asecond candidate paper feed deck and from the number of paper feed deckinformation items that can be displayed on the paper selection screen.This processing is the same as that of the previously described stepS1206 of FIG. 12A. Next, the processing proceeds to step S1310 (FIG.13B) and the CPU 401 causes the paper selection screen 1012 of FIG. 10or the paper selection screen 1112 of FIG. 11 to be displayed to theconsole unit 303 via the console unit I/F 406. The display page number Nof the paper selection screen is determined to be “2” in the paperselection screen 1012 of FIG. 10 or the paper selection screen 1112 ofFIG. 11, and the second page paper selection screen is displayed.

Next, the processing proceeds to step S1311, and the CPU 401 determineswhether the page forward key of the paper selection screen is pressed.In a case in which it is determined in step S1311 that the page forwardkey of the paper selection screen is pressed, the processing proceeds tostep S1313 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the display pagenumber N is less than the maximum page number (MAX). In a case in whichit is determined in step S1313 that the display page number N is lessthan the maximum page number MAX, the processing proceeds to step S1314,and the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1310 using a displaypage number N obtained by adding 1 to N. On the other hand, in a case inwhich it is determined in step S1313 that the display page number N isnot less than the maximum page number MAX, the CPU 401 advances theprocessing on to step S1310 without changing the displayed page.

Meanwhile, in a case in which it is determined in step S1311 that thepage forward key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, theprocessing proceeds to step S1312, and the CPU 401 determines whether ornot the page back key of the paper selection screen is pressed. In acase in which it is determined in step S1312 that the page back key ofthe paper selection screen is pressed, the processing proceeds to stepS1316, and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the display page numberN is greater than or equal to 2. In a case in which it is determined instep S1316 that the display page number N is greater than or equal to 2,the processing proceeds to step S1317, and the CPU 401 advances theprocessing on to step S1310 using the display page number N obtained bysubtracting 1 from N. On the other hand, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S1316 that the display page number N is not greaterthan or equal to 2, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1310without changing the displayed page.

Also, in a case in which it is determined in step S1312 that the pageback key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, the processingproceeds to step S1315, and the CPU 401 determines whether or notautomatic restart due to paper replenishment or paper replacement ispossible. In a case in which it is determined that paper replenishmentor paper replacement is executed and that automatic restart is possible,the processing proceeds to step S1319, and the CPU 401 closes the paperselection screen and continues print processing. On the other hand, in acase in which it is determined in step S1315 that automatic restart dueto paper replenishment or paper replacement is not possible, theprocessing proceeds to step S1318, and the CPU 401 determines whether ornot print restart by a manual pressing of the “OK” key (numeral 1002 ornumeral 1103) of the paper selection screen is possible after paperreplenishment or paper replacement. In a case in which it is determinedin step S1318 that print restart by a manual pressing of the “OK” key ofthe paper selection screen is possible, the processing proceeds to stepS1319 due to a pressing of the “OK” key, the CPU 401 closes the paperselection screen, continues the print processing, and advances theprocessing on to step S1320. On the other hand, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S1318 that print restart by a manual pressing of the“OK” key of the paper selection screen is not possible, the CPU 401advances the processing on to step S1311.

In step S1320, the CPU 401 determines whether or not print processinghas completed. In a case in which it is determined in step S1320 thatprint processing has completed, the CPU 401 advances the processing onto step S1321, and the CPU 401 closes the currently executing dialogueand completes the processing. On the other hand, in a case in which itis determined in step S1320 that the print processing has not completed,the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1303 (FIG. 13A).

According to the first embodiment, as explained above, it is possible todetermine the list display page number in order to be able to displayinformation for a paper feed deck that is detected to have run out ofpaper or candidate paper feed deck information, even in a case in whichthe number of paper feed decks is large and a list display of paper feeddeck information does not fit on a screen. Because of this, a paperselection screen including a paper feed deck that ran out of paper or asecond candidate paper feed deck can be confirmed without the userperforming page forwarding on the paper selection screen.

As a result, it is possible for the user to quickly select a desiredpaper feed deck from out of a plurality of paper feed decks. Because ofthis, it is possible to improve user convenience and work efficiencywhen selecting a paper feed tray in a case in which a plurality of paperfeed trays are provided.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the firstembodiment on the following points. Other elements of the secondembodiment are common to the elements corresponding to the firstembodiment (FIG. 3 through FIG. 6). Also, in the second embodiment, onlydifferences from the first embodiment will be explained, and explanationwill be omitted for portions that are the same as in the firstembodiment.

Firstly, explanation will be given for different types of screens shownon the display unit 502 of the console unit 303 of the image formingapparatus 302 with reference to FIG. 14 through FIG. 16.

FIG. 14 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen displayed in a tab paper print modeaccording to the second embodiment.

When the CPU 401 detects that a “tab paper print” key 1401 is pressed ina copy base screen 1410 of FIG. 14, it determines a paper feed deck thatstores tab papers and displays a tab paper print screen 1411. In the tabpaper print screen 1411, the paper feed deck 308 having paper feed deckID “3”, which is a paper feed deck in which tab paper is stored, isselected. Also, in the tab paper print screen 1411, a user can switch toa tab paper print mode by pressing an “OK” key 1407 in the bottom rightof the screen in a state in which the paper feed deck in which tabpapers are stored is selected.

Also, when the CPU 401 detects that a “setting cancel” key 1402 ispressed in the tab paper print screen 1411, it closes the tab paperprint screen 1411 and returns to the copy base screen 1410. Also, whenthe CPU 401 detects that a “change” key 1403 is pressed in the tab paperprint screen 1411, it displays a paper selection screen 1412 (firstpage). In the paper selection screen 1412, because the tab paper isstored in paper feed decks having the paper feed deck IDs “3” and “7”,detailed information of the paper feed decks registered in the paperfeed deck management table is displayed is list format in order of paperfeed deck IDs “3”->“7”->“1”->“2”->“4”. Also, in the paper selectionscreen 1412, a line 1404 corresponding to the currently selected paperfeed deck ID “3” is invertedly displayed. Also, when the CPU 401 detectsthat an “OK” key 1406 is pressed in the paper selection screen 1412, itcloses the paper selection screen 1412 and displays the tab paper printscreen 1411.

Also, when the CPU 401 detects that an “OK” key 1407 is pressed in thetab paper print screen 1411, it closes the tab paper print screen 1411and displays a copy base screen 1413. Because the copy base screen 1413shows a state in which the tab paper print mode is set, a “tab paperprint” key 1401 is invertedly displayed, and it is displayed that forprinting, paper of an LTR size in a paper feed deck having paper feeddeck ID “3” (tab paper 2) is used.

FIG. 15 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen displayed in an OHP interleave modeaccording to the second embodiment.

When the CPU 401 detects that an “OHP interleave” key 1501 is pressed ina copy base screen 1510, it determines a paper feed deck in which OHP isstored and displays an OHP interleave screen 1511. In the OHP interleavescreen 1511, the paper feed deck 311 having paper feed deck ID “6”,which is a paper feed deck in which OHP sheets are stored, is selected.

Also, when the CPU 401 detects that a “setting cancel” key 1502 ispressed in the OHP interleave screen 1511, it closes the OHP interleavescreen 1511 and returns to the copy base screen 1510. Also, when the CPU401 detects that a “change” key 1503 is pressed in the OHP interleavescreen 1511, it displays a paper selection screen 1512 (first page).Here, as shown in FIG. 6, OHP sheets are stored in paper feed deckshaving paper feed deck IDs “6” and “8”. Thus, in the paper selectionscreen 1512, detailed information of the paper feed decks registered inthe paper feed deck management table is displayed in list format inorder of paper feed deck IDs “6”->“8”->“1”->“2”->“3”. Also, in the paperselection screen 1512, a line 1504 corresponding to the currentlyselected paper feed deck ID “6” is invertedly displayed. Also, when theCPU 401 detects that an “OK” key 1506 is pressed in the paper selectionscreen 1512, it closes the paper selection screen 1512 and displays theOHP interleave screen 1511.

When the CPU 401 detects that an “OK” key 1507 is pressed in the OHPinterleave screen 1511, it closes the OHP interleave screen 1511 anddisplays a copy base screen 1513. Because the copy base screen 1513shows a state in which the OHP interleave mode is set, an “OHPinterleave” key 1501 is invertedly displayed.

FIG. 16 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen displayed in a front cover mode accordingto the second embodiment.

When the CPU 401 detects that a “front cover” key 1601 is pressed in acopy base screen 1610, it determines a paper feed deck, in which thickpaper 1 or thick paper 2 is stored, and displays a front cover screen1611. In the front cover screen 1611, the paper feed deck 306 havingpaper feed deck ID “1”, which is a paper feed deck in which thick paper1 or thick paper 2 is stored, is selected. Also, when the CPU 401detects that an “OK” key 1609 is pressed in the front cover screen 1611in a state in which the paper feed deck storing thick paper 1 or thickpaper 2, it closes the front cover screen 1611 and displays a copy basescreen 1613. Because the copy base screen 1613 shows a state in whichthe front cover mode is set, a “front cover” key 1601 is invertedlydisplayed.

Also, when the CPU 401 detects that a “setting cancel” key 1602 ispressed in the front cover screen 1611, it closes the front cover screen1611 and returns to the copy base screen 1610. Also, when the CPU 401detects that a “change” key 1603 is pressed in the front cover screen1611, it displays a paper selection screen 1612 (first page). In thepaper selection screen 1612, thick paper 1 or thick paper 2 is stored inpaper feed decks having paper feed deck IDs “1”, “4”, “9” and “10”.Thus, detailed information of the paper feed decks registered in thepaper feed deck management table is displayed in list format in order ofpaper feed deck IDs “1”->“4”->“9”->“10”->“2”. Also, in the paperselection screen 1612, a line 1604 corresponding to the currentlyselected paper feed deck ID “1” is invertedly displayed. Also, when theCPU 401 detects that an “OK” key 1608 is pressed in the paper selectionscreen 1612, it closes the paper selection screen 1612 and displays thefront cover screen 1611.

As explained above, when corresponding paper feed information isdisplayed in a list in accordance with a selected feature, by causingthe corresponding paper feed information to be displayed in aprioritized listing out of a plurality of paper feed information items,a user does not need to perform an operation such as page forwarding alist display.

Next, a characteristic processing procedure in the image formingapparatus 302 according to the second embodiment will be explained withreference to the flowchart of FIGS. 17A and 17B and FIGS. 18A to 18D.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are flowcharts for describing a copy processingprocedure in the image forming apparatus 302 according to the secondembodiment. A program for executing this processing procedure is storedin the ROM 403 or the HDD 404 of the controller 400 and executed whenneeded by the CPU 401.

In FIG. 17A, firstly, in step S1701, the CPU 401 displays the copy basescreen to the display unit 502 of the console unit 303 and advances to astate of waiting for input from the user. In a case in which input isperformed by the user via the console unit 303, the processing proceedsto step S1702 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not there is adisplay instruction for the paper selection screen denoted by numeral1412 in FIG. 14 or numeral 1512 in FIG. 15. Here, it is determinedwhether a “tab paper print” button, an “OHP interleave” button or a“front cover” button is pressed in the copy base screen 1410, 1510 or1610 and furthermore, it is determined whether or not a “change” button1403, 1503 or 1603 is pressed in a corresponding screen (numeral 1411,1511 or 1611). In a case in which in step S1702 it is determined thatthere is a display instruction for the paper selection screen, the CPU401 advances the processing on to step S1703. On the other hand, in acase in which in step S1702 it is determined that there is no displayinstruction for the paper selection screen, the CPU 401 advances theprocessing on to step S1724 (FIG. 17B).

In step S1703, the CPU 401 calls information of the paper feed deckmanagement table from the HDD 404. Next, the processing proceeds to stepS1704 and the CPU 401 calculates a maximum number of pages (MAX) of thepaper selection screen from the number of paper feed decks that areattached and from the number of paper feed deck information items thatcan be displayed on the paper selection screen. Next, the processingproceeds to step S1705 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not thereis a paper type restriction. In a case in which it is determined in stepS1705 that there is a paper type restriction, the processing proceeds tostep S1706, and the CPU 401 determines whether or not there is a papersize restriction. In a case in which it is determined in step S1706 thatthere is a paper size restriction, the processing proceeds to stepS1707, and the CPU 401 generates a display management table consideringa paper type restriction and a paper size restriction as shown in FIG.18A.

FIGS. 18A through 18D depict views for illustrating examples of displaymanagement tables for managing display priority of paper feed decksdisplayed on the paper selection screen according to the secondembodiment. In FIGS. 18A through 18D, paper size and paper type arerecited, but in actuality, display priority and paper feed deck IDinformation is registered in the display management table. Note, thisdisplay management table information is stored in the RAM 402 by the CPU401.

For example, FIG. 18A shows the display management table for when “tabpaper print” mode is designated. Here, information of paper feed deckshaving paper feed deck IDs “3” and “7”, which contain tab paper that canbe used in “tab paper print” mode are highly prioritized, and theselected paper feed deck ID “3” is the paper feed deck of the highestpriority. With this, the paper selection screen 1412 of FIG. 14 isdisplayed.

Also, FIG. 18B shows the display management table for when “front cover”mode is designated. Here, information of paper feed decks having paperfeed deck IDs “1”, “4” and “9”, which contain thick paper that can beused in “front cover” mode, are highly prioritized, and the selectedpaper feed deck ID “1” is the paper feed deck of the highest priority.With this, the paper selection screen 1612 of FIG. 16 is displayed.

Also, FIG. 18C shows the display management table for when the papersize is designated to be LTR or A4. Here, information of paper feeddecks having paper feed deck IDs “3” and “6”, which contain LTR sizepaper, are highly prioritized, and following them information of paperfeed decks having paper feed deck IDs “7” and “8”, which contain A4 sizepaper, are stored. Furthermore, FIG. 18D shows the display managementtable initialized, and this is the same as the information of the paperfeed deck management table shown in the previously described FIG. 6.

Returning once again to FIG. 17A, in a case in which it is determined instep S1706 that there is no paper size restriction, the processingproceeds to step S1708 and the CPU 401 generates a display managementtable considering paper type restriction, as shown in FIG. 18B.

On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined in step S1705that the paper type is not restricted, the processing proceeds to stepS1709 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not there is a paper sizerestriction. In a case in which it is determined in step S1709 thatthere is a paper size restriction, the processing proceeds on to stepS1710 and the CPU 401 generates a display management table consideringpaper size restriction as shown in FIG. 18C. On the other hand, in acase in which in step S1709 it is determined that there is no paper sizerestriction, the processing proceeds to step S1711, and the CPU 401performs initialization of the display management table, as shown inFIG. 18D.

When any of the steps S1707, S1708, S1710 or S1711 is executed, theprocessing proceeds to step S1712 (FIG. 17B) and the CPU 401 determineswhether or not there is a designation of a paper feed deck. In a case inwhich it is determined in step S1712 that there is a designation of apaper feed deck, the processing proceeds to step S1713, and the CPU 401calculates the display page number N of the list displayed in the paperselection screen from the paper feed deck ID and information of thedisplay management table and advances the processing on to step S1715.On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined in step S1712that there is no designation of a paper feed deck, the processingproceeds to step S1714, and the CPU 401 determines the display pagenumber N of the paper selection screen “1” and advances the processingon to step S1715.

In step S1715, the CPU 401 causes the paper selection screen to bedisplayed on the console unit 303 via the console unit I/F 406, as shownin the paper selection screen 1412 of FIG. 14, the paper selectionscreen 1512 of FIG. 15 and the paper selection screen 1612 of FIG. 16,for example. Then, the processing proceeds to step S1716 and the CPU 401determines whether or not the page forward key of the paper selectionscreen is pressed. In a case in which the page forward key of the paperselection screen is pressed in step S1716, the processing proceeds tostep S1718, and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the display pagenumber N is smaller than the maximum page number MAX. In a case in whichit is determined in step S1718 that the display page number N is lessthan the maximum page number MAX, the processing proceeds to step S1719,and the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1715 using a displaypage number N obtained by adding 1 to N. On the other hand, in a case inwhich in step S1718 it is determined that the display page number N isnot less than the maximum page number MAX, the CPU 401 advances theprocessing on to step S1715 without changing the displayed page.

Meanwhile, in a case in which it is determined in step S1716 that a pageforward key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, the processingproceeds to step S1717 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not thepage back key of the paper selection screen is pressed. In a case inwhich it is determined in step S1717 that the page back key of the paperselection screen is pressed, the processing proceeds to step S1721 andthe CPU 401 determines whether the display page number N is greater thanor equal to 2. In a case in which it is determined in step S1721 thatthe display page number N is greater than or equal to 2, the processingproceeds on to step S1722 and the CPU 401 advances the processing on tostep S1715 using a display page number N obtained by subtracting 1 fromN. On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined in step S1721that the display page number N is not greater than or equal to 2, theCPU 401 advances the processing on to step S1715 without changing thedisplayed page.

Also, in a case in which it is determined in step S1717 that the pageback key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, the processingproceeds on to step S1720 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the“OK” key of the paper selection screen is pressed. In a case in which itis determined in step S1720 that the “OK” key of the paper selectionscreen is pressed, the processing proceeds on to step S1723 and the CPU401 closes the paper selection screen, advances the processing on tostep S1724, and displays the copy base screen indicating a state inwhich a mode is set.

On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined in step S1720that the “OK” key of the paper selection screen is not pressed, the CPU401 advances the processing on to step S1716. In step S1724, the CPU 401determines whether or not the start key 503 of the console unit 303 ispressed. In a case in which it is determined in step S1724 that thestart key 503 is pressed, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to stepS1725, and the CPU 401 completes this processing by performing the printprocessing shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. On the other hand, in a case inwhich it is determined in step S1724 that the start key 503 of theconsole unit 303 is not pressed, the CPU 401 advances the processing onto step S1701 (FIG. 17A) and waits for input from the user.

With the second embodiment as explained above, it is possible to displayin a paper selection screen information of paper feed decks containingpaper that corresponds to selectable paper on a head page of paperselection screen in a case in which there is a paper type restriction ora paper size restriction. As a result, it is possible for a user toquickly select a target paper feed deck from out of a plurality of paperfeed decks. Because of this, it is possible to improve user convenienceand work efficiency when selecting a desired paper feed tray from out ofa plurality of paper feed trays.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first andsecond embodiments on the following points. Other elements of the thirdembodiment are common to the elements corresponding to the firstembodiment (FIG. 3 through FIG. 6). In the third embodiment, onlydifferences with the first and second embodiments will be explained, andexplanation will be omitted for parts that are the same as in the firstand second embodiments.

First, explanation will be given for different types of screens shown onthe display unit 502 of the console unit 303 of the image formingapparatus 302 with reference to FIG. 19 through FIG. 23.

FIG. 19 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionfor a setting/registration screen displayed when thesetting/registration key 507 on the console unit 303 is pressedaccording to a third embodiment.

When the CPU 401 detects that the setting/registration key 507 ispressed in a state in which a copy base screen 1910 is displayed, itdisplays a setting/registration screen 1911. Note, thesetting/registration screen 1911 is a screen for changing settings ofthe default display method of the paper selection screen. In thesetting/registration screen 1911, there are a “no setting” key 1902, a“display by paper size group” key 1903, a “display by paper type group”key 1904, a “consider different paper sizes” key 1905, and a “considerdifferent paper types” key 1906. Also, in the setting/registrationscreen 1911, as a default display method of the paper selection screen,as shown in the paper selection screens 711 and 712 of FIG. 7 forexample, the “no setting” key 1902 is invertedly displayed so thecontrol is performed for displaying paper feed deck IDs “1” through“10”.

In the setting/registration screen 1911, after the user selects one ofthe keys out of numerals 1902 through 1906, and presses an “OK” key 1907in the bottom right of the screen, the CPU 401 stores the selectedsetting in the HDD 404. With this, it is possible to later switch themethod default display method of the paper selection screen. When theCPU 401 detects that a “cancel” key 1901 or the “OK” key 1907 is pressedon the setting/registration screen 1911, the setting/registration screen1911 is closed.

FIG. 20 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen in a case in which a “display by papertype group” mode is set using the “display by paper type group” key 1904according to the third embodiment.

In a copy base screen 2010, an automatic paper selection mode is set.When the CPU 401 detects that a “paper selection” key 2001 is pressed inthe copy base screen 2010, it displays a paper selection screen 2011(first page). In the paper selection screen 2011, detailed informationof paper feed decks registered in the paper feed deck management tableis displayed in list format in paper feed deck ID order“5”->“2”->“1”->“10”->“4” in order show classification into thin paper,plain paper, thick paper, tab paper, and OHP groups. When the CPU 401detects that a page forward key 2003 is pressed in the paper selectionscreen 2011, it displays a paper selection screen 2012 (second page).

In the paper selection screen 2012, classification into thin paper,plain paper, thick paper, tab paper, and OHP groups is shown, anddetailed information of paper feed decks is displayed in list format inpaper feed deck ID order “9”->“7”->“3”->“6”->“8” continuing from thepaper selection screen 2011. When the CPU 401 detects that a page backkey 2004 is pressed in the paper selection screen 2012, it displays thepaper selection screen 2011 (first page). When the CPU 401 detects thatan “OK” key 2005 is pressed in paper selection screen 2011 or 2012, thepaper selection screen is closed and the copy base screen 2010 isreturned to.

In this way, when “display by paper type group” mode is set, a paperfeed deck information list is displayed in a format organized by type ofthe contained paper.

FIG. 21 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen in a case in which a “display by papersize group” mode is set using the “display by paper size group” key 1903according to the third embodiment.

In a copy base screen 2110, an automatic paper selection mode is set.When the CPU 401 detects that a “paper selection” key 2101 is pressed inthe copy base screen 2110, it displays a paper selection screen 2111(first page). In the paper selection screen 2111, detailed informationof paper feed decks registered in the paper feed deck management tableis displayed in list format in paper feed deck ID order“2”->“5”->“9”->“7”->“8” in order show classification into B5, A4, LTR,B4, and A3 paper size groups. When the CPU 401 detects that a pageforward key 2103 is pressed in the paper selection screen 2111, itdisplays a paper selection screen 2112 (second page).

In the paper selection screen 2112, classification into B5, A4, LTR, B4,and A3 paper size groups is shown, and detailed information of paperfeed decks is displayed in list format in paper feed deck ID order“3”->“6”->“1”->“4”->“10” continuing from the paper selection screen2111. When the CPU 401 detects that a page back key 2104 is pressed inthe paper selection screen 2112, it displays the paper selection screen2111 (first page). When the CPU 401 detects that an “OK” key 2105 ispressed in paper selection screen 2111 or 2112, the paper selectionscreen is closed and the copy base screen 2110 is returned to.

In this way, when “display by paper size group” mode is set, a paperfeed deck information list is displayed in a format organized by size ofthe contained paper.

FIG. 22 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen in a case in which a “consider differentpaper types” mode is set using the “consider different paper types” key1906 according to the third embodiment.

In a copy base screen 2210, an automatic paper selection mode is set.When the CPU 401 detects that a “paper selection” key 2201 is pressed inthe copy base screen 2210, it displays a paper selection screen 2211(first page). In the paper selection screen 2211, differing paper typesof thin paper, plain paper, thick paper, tab paper, and OHP aredisplayed in a first page. For this reason, detailed information ofpaper feed decks registered in the paper feed deck management table isdisplayed in paper feed deck ID order “5”->“2”->“1”->“3”->“6”. When theCPU 401 detects that a page forward key 2203 is pressed in the printpaper selection screen 2211, it displays a paper selection screen 2212(second page). In the paper selection screen 2212, detailed informationof paper feed decks registered in the paper feed deck management tableis displayed in list format in paper feed deck ID order“4”->“7”->“8”->“9”->“10” continuing from the paper selection screen2211. When the CPU 401 detects that a page back key 2204 is pressed inthe paper selection screen 2212, it displays the paper selection screen2211 (first page). When the CPU 401 detects that an “OK” key 2205 ispressed in paper selection screen 2211 or 2212, the paper selectionscreen is closed and the copy base screen 2210 is returned to.

In this way, when “consider different paper types” mode is set, a paperfeed deck information list in which paper types are different from eachother is displayed on the paper selection screen.

FIG. 23 depicts a view for illustrating an example of screen transitionof the paper selection screen in a case in which a “consider differentpaper sizes” mode is set using the “consider different paper sizes” key1905 according to the third embodiment.

In a copy base screen 2310, an automatic paper selection mode is set.When the CPU 401 detects that a “paper selection” key 2301 is pressed inthe copy base screen 2310, it displays a paper selection screen 2311(first page). In the paper selection screen 2311, differing paper sizesof B5, A4, LTR, B4, and A3 are displayed in a first page. For thisreason, detailed information of paper feed decks registered in the paperfeed deck management table is displayed in paper feed deck ID order“2”->“7”->“3”->“1 ”->“10”. When the CPU 401 detects that a page forwardkey 2303 is pressed in the print paper selection screen 2311, itdisplays a paper selection screen 2312 (second page).

In the paper selection screen 2312, detailed information of paper feeddecks registered in the paper feed deck management table is displayed inlist format in paper feed deck ID order “4”->“5”->“6”->“8”->“9”continuing from the paper selection screen 2311. When the CPU 401detects that a page back key 2304 is pressed in the paper selectionscreen 2312, it displays the paper selection screen 2311 (first page).When the CPU 401 detects that an “OK” key 2305 is pressed in paperselection screen 2311 or 2312, the paper selection screen is closed andthe copy base screen 2310 is returned to.

In this way, when “consider different paper sizes” mode is set, a paperfeed deck information list in which paper sizes are different from eachother is displayed to the paper selection screen.

Next, explanation will be given for characteristic processing procedurein the image forming apparatus with reference to the flowchart of FIGS.24A and 24B and FIGS. 25A to 25E.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are flowcharts for describing a copy processingprocedure in the image forming apparatus 302 according to the thirdembodiment. This processing procedure is stored in the ROM 403 or theHDD 404 of the controller 400 and executed when needed by the CPU 401.

In FIG. 24A, first, in step S2401, the CPU 401 displays the copy basescreen and advances to a state of waiting for input from the user. Wheninput is performed by the user with the console unit 303, the processingproceeds to step S2402 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not therethe paper selection key is pressed. In a case in which it is determinedin step S2402 that the paper selection key is pressed and that there isa display instruction for the paper selection screen, the processingproceeds to step S2403. On the other hand, in a case in which in stepS2402 it is determined that there is no display instruction for thepaper selection screen, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to stepS2426 (FIG. 24B). In step S2403, the CPU 401 calls information of thepaper feed deck management table from the HDD 404. Next, the processingproceeds to step S2404, and the CPU 401 calculates a maximum number ofpages (MAX) of the paper selection screen from the number of paper feeddecks that are attached and from the number of paper feed deckinformation items that can be displayed on the paper selection screen.

Next, the processing proceeds to step S2405, and the CPU 401 determineswhether or not the group display shown in FIG. 19 is set as the defaultdisplay of the paper selection screen. In a case in which it isdetermined in step S2405 that the group display is set the processingproceeds to step S2406, and the CPU 401 determines whether or not it ispaper type group display. In a case in which it is determined in stepS2406 that it is paper type group display the processing proceeds tostep S2407, and the CPU 401 generates a display management tableconsidering paper type groups as shown in FIG. 25A.

FIGS. 25A through 25E depict views for illustrating examples of displaymanagement tables for managing display precedence of paper feed decks tobe displayed on the paper selection screen according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 25A is showing an example in which the display management table ofFIG. 6 is changed into a display management table considering paper typegroups. Here, the display precedence order is thin paper, plain paper,thick paper, tab paper, OHP.

FIG. 25B is showing an example in which the display management table ofFIG. 6 is changed into a display management table considering paper sizegroups. Here, the display precedence order is B5, A4, LTR, B4, A3.

FIG. 25C is showing an example in which the display management table ofFIG. 6 is changed into a display management table considering differentpaper types. Here, it is set so that paper feed deck information ofpaper feed deck IDs “5”, “2”,“1”, “3 ”, and “6” corresponding to thinpaper, plain paper, thick paper, tab paper, and OHP, respectively, isdisplayed on the first page of the paper selection screen. Similarly, itis set so that paper feed deck information of paper feed deck IDs “4”,“7”,“8”, “9”, and “10” corresponding to thick paper 2, tab paper 1, OHP,thick paper 2, and thick paper 1, respectively, is displayed on thesecond page of the paper selection screen.

FIG. 25D is showing an example in which the display management table ofFIG. 6 is changed into a display management table considering differentpaper sizes. Here, it is set so that paper feed deck information ofpaper feed deck IDs “2”, “7”,“3”, “1”, and “10” corresponding to B5, A4,LTR, B4, and A3, respectively, is displayed on the first page of thepaper selection screen. Similarly, it is set so that paper feed deckinformation of paper feed deck IDs “4”, “5”, “6”, “8” and “9”corresponding to B4, B5, LTR, A4, and B5, respectively, is displayed onthe second page of the paper selection screen.

FIG. 25E shows information of the initialized display management tableand this corresponds to the display management table of FIG. 6.

Note, information of this display management table is stored in the RAM402 by the CPU 401.

Once again returning to FIG. 24A, in a case in which it is determined instep S2406 that it is not paper type group display (in other words, itis paper size group display), the processing proceeds to step S2408 andthe CPU 401 generates a display management table considering paper sizegroups as shown in FIG. 25B.

On the other hand, in a case in which in step S2405 group display is notset, the processing proceeds to step S2409 and the CPU 401 determineswhether or not the default display of the paper selection screen isdifferent paper types. In a case in which it is determined in step S2409that different paper types are considered, the processing proceeds tostep S2410, and the CPU 401 generates a display management tableconsidering different paper types. Also, in a case in which it isdetermined in step S2409 that different paper types are not considered,the processing proceeds to step S2411, and the CPU 401 determineswhether or not the default display method of the paper selection screenconsiders different paper sizes. In a case in which it is determined instep S2411 that different paper sizes are considered, the processingproceeds to step S2412 and the CPU 401 generates a display managementtable considering different paper sizes. Also, a case in which it isdetermined in step S2411 that different paper sizes are not considered,the processing proceeds to step S2413 and the CPU 401 performinitialization of the display management table as shown in FIG. 25E.

When any of steps S2407, S2408, S2412 or S2413 are executed in this way,the processing proceeds to step S2414 (FIG. 24B) and the CPU 401determines whether or not there is a designation of a paper feed deck.In a case in which it is determined in step S2414 that there is adesignation of a paper feed deck, the processing proceeds to step S2415,and the CPU 401 calculates the display page number N of a list displayedto the paper selection screen from the paper feed deck ID andinformation of the display management table. On the other hand, when itis determined in step S2414 that there is no designation of the paperfeed deck, the processing proceeds to step S2416, and the CPU 401determines that the display page number N of the paper selection screenis “1” and advances the processing on to step S2417.

In step S2417, the CPU 401 causes a paper selection screen, such as thatshown in the paper selection screen 2011 of FIG. 20, or the paperselection screen 2111 of FIG. 21 to be displayed on the console unit 303via the console unit I/F 406. Next, the processing proceeds to stepS2418, and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the page forward key ofthe paper selection screen is pressed. If it is determined in step S2418that the page forward key of the paper selection screen is pressed, theprocessing proceeds to step S2420, and the CPU 401 determines whether ornot the display page number N is less than the maximum page size MAX. Ina case in which it is determined in step S2420 that the display pagenumber N is less than the maximum page size MAX, the processing proceedson to step S2421, and the CPU 401 advances the processing on to stepS2417 with the page display number N being a page number obtained byadding 1 to N. On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined instep S2420 that the display page number N is not less than the maximumpage size MAX, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S2417without changing the display page.

Also, in a case in which in step S2418 it is determined that the pageforward key of the paper selection screen is has not been pressed, theprocessing proceeds on to step S2419 and the CPU 401 determines whetheror not the page back key of the paper selection screen is pressed. In acase in which it is determined in step S2419 that the page back key ofthe paper selection screen is pressed, the processing proceeds on tostep S2423, and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the display pagenumber N is greater than or equal to 2. In a case in which it isdetermined in step S2423 that the display page number N is greater thanor equal to 2, the processing proceeds on to step S2424 and the CPU 401advances the processing on to step S2417 with the page display number Nbeing a page number obtained by subtracting 1 from N. In a case in whichit is determined in step S2423 that the display page number N is notgreater than or equal to 2, the CPU 401 advances the processing on tostep S2417 without changing the display page.

In a case in which it is determined in step S2419 that the page back keyof the paper selection screen is not pressed, the processing proceeds onto step S2422 and the CPU 401 determines whether or not the “OK” key ofthe paper selection screen is pressed. In a case in which it isdetermined in step S2422 that the “OK” key of the paper selection screenis pressed, the processing proceeds on to step S2425, and the CPU 401closes the paper selection screen and advances the processing on to stepS2426. On the other hand, in a case in which it is determined in stepS2422 that the “OK” key of the paper selection screen is not pressed,the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S2418. In step S2426, theCPU 401 determines whether or not the start key 503 of the console unit303 is pressed. In a case in which it is determined in step S2426 thatthe start key 503 is pressed, the CPU 401 advances the processing on tostep S2427. On the other hand, in a case in which in step S2426 it isdetermined that the start key 503 of the console unit 303 is notpressed, the CPU 401 advances the processing on to step S2401 and waitsfor input from the user. Next, in step S2427, the CPU 401 completes theprocessing by performing the print processing shown in FIGS. 13A and13B.

According to the third embodiment, as explained above, it is possible todisplay a paper selection screen in which the paper feed decks aredivided into groups by paper type and by paper size. Also, it ispossible to display paper of different paper sizes and different papertypes on the head page of the paper selection screen. As a result, it ispossible for a user to quickly select a target paper feed deck from outof a plurality of paper feed decks. Because of this, it is possible toimprove user convenience and work efficiency when selecting a desiredpaper feed tray from out of a plurality of paper feed trays.

Other Embodiments

In the first through third embodiments, described above, examples weregiven of image forming apparatuses having an image input unit and animage output unit (copy machines or multi-function peripherals), but thepresent invention is not limited to this. The present invention may beadopted to an image forming apparatus having only an image output unit(printer).

In the second embodiment, an example is given with tab paper print, OHPinterleave and front cover as functions for which there are paper typerestrictions or paper size restrictions, but the present invention isnot limited to this. Functions may be chosen in accordance with thespecifications of the image forming apparatus.

A number of embodiments have be explained above, but these embodimentsmay be combined and worked as appropriate. For example, while in thefirst embodiment, because display is on a page level, the selected paperfeed decks in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are displayed in order of their IDs, theselected paper feed deck may be displayed at the head of the list, as inFIG. 14 and FIG. 15 of the second embodiment.

Also, in the second and third embodiments, in a case in which display isdone of each paper feed deck information item having the same papertype, it may be made so that the user can selectively register for thedisplay order to be in order of increasing or decreasing paper sizes.

Also, in the second and third embodiments, in a case in which the listis displayed for each paper type group, it may be made so that the usercan selectively register for the display order to be in order ofincreasing grammages or decreasing grammages.

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of asystem or an apparatus (or devices, such as a CPU or a micro-processingunit (MPU)) that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memorydevice to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments, andby a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a systemor an apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a programrecorded on a memory device to perform the functions of theabove-described embodiments. For this purpose, the program is providedto the computer, for example, via a network or from a recording mediumof various types serving as the memory device (for example, acomputer-readable medium).

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such changes and equivalent structures and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing apparatus having a plurality of sheetholding units, wherein the printing apparatus is constructed forprinting of an image on a sheet conveyed from any one of the pluralityof sheet holding units, the printing apparatus comprising: a displayconfigured to display one of (i) a first list including information ofpart of the plurality of sheet holding units, and (ii) a second list,including information of another sheet holding unit, of the plurality ofsheet holding units, which is not displayed in the first list; a userinterface configured to receive a change instruction for changing thefirst list displayed by the display to the second list; and a controllerconfigured to control the display based on the change instructionreceived by the user interface, wherein the controller controls thedisplay such that, when an empty state occurs in a sheet holding unit ofthe part of the plurality of sheet holding units included in theinformation of the first list, the display initially displays the firstlist, and, when an empty state occurs in the other sheet holding unitincluded in the information of the second list, the display initiallydisplays the second list.
 2. The printing apparatus according to claim1, wherein the display further displays a list including the informationof the sheet holding unit in which the empty state occurs, and an objectfor receiving the change instruction from a user.
 3. The printingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display displays a listincluding the information of the sheet holding unit in which the emptystate occurs in a state in which the information of the sheet holdingunit in which the empty state occurs, is visually emphasized.
 4. Theprinting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display displays asheet selection screen, including sheet information set for each sheetholding unit of the plurality of sheet holding units.
 5. The printingapparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sheet information includes asize of a sheet and a name of a sheet.
 6. The printing apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the sheet information further includes agrammage of a sheet.
 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein information of sheet holding units, of the plurality of sheetholding units, included in the first list to be initially displayed bythe display, in a state in which there is no sheet holding unit, of theplurality of sheet holding units, in which the empty state occurs, andinformation of sheet holding units, of the plurality of sheet holdingunits, included in the second list to be initially displayed by thedisplay, in a state in which there is a sheet holding unit in which theempty state occurs, are different from each other in at least one part.8. A control method for controlling a printing apparatus having aplurality of sheet holding units, wherein the printing apparatus isconstructed for printing of an image on a sheet conveyed from any one ofthe plurality of sheet holding units, the method comprising: displaying,on a display, one of (i) a first list including information of part ofthe plurality of sheet holding units, and (ii) a second list, includinginformation of another sheet holding unit, of the plurality of sheetholding units, which is not displayed in the first list; receiving, froma user interface, a change instruction for changing the first listdisplayed by the display to the second list; controlling the displaybased on the change instruction received from the user interface; andcontrolling the display such that, when an empty state occurs in a sheetholding unit included in the information of the first list, the displayinitially displays the first list, and, when an empty state occurs inthe other sheet holding unit included in the information of the secondlist, the display initially displays the second list.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein, in the displaying, the display furtherdisplays a list including the information of the sheet holding unit inwhich the empty state occurs, and an object for receiving the changeinstruction from a user.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein,in the displaying, the display displays a list including the informationof the sheet holding unit in which the empty state occurs in a state inwhich the information of the sheet holding unit in which the empty stateoccurs, is visually emphasized.
 11. The method according to claim 8,wherein, in the displaying, the display displays a sheet selectionscreen, including sheet information set for each sheet holding unit ofthe plurality of sheet holding units.
 12. The method according to claim11, wherein the sheet information includes a size of a sheet and a nameof a sheet.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the sheetinformation further includes a grammage of a sheet.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein information of sheet holding units, of theplurality of sheet holding units, included in the first list to beinitially displayed in the displaying, in a state in which there is nosheet holding unit, of the plurality of sheet holding units, in whichthe empty state occurs, and information of sheet holding units, of theplurality of sheet holding units, included in the second list to beinitially displayed in the displaying, in a state in which there is asheet holding unit in which the empty state occurs, are different fromeach other in at least one part.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer toperform a control method for controlling a printing apparatus having aplurality of sheet holding units, wherein the printing apparatus isconstructed for printing of an image on a sheet conveyed from any one ofthe plurality of sheet holding units, the computer program comprising:code to display, on a display, one of (i) a first list includinginformation of part of the plurality of sheet holding units, and (ii) asecond list, including information of another sheet holding unit, of theplurality of sheet holding units, which is not displayed in the firstlist; code to receive, from a user interface, a change instruction forchanging the first list displayed by the display to the second list;code to control the display based on the change instruction receivedfrom the user interface; and code to control the display such that, whenan empty state occurs in a sheet holding unit of the part of theplurality of sheet holding units included in the information of thefirst list, the display initially displays the first list, and, when anempty state occurs in the other sheet holding unit included in theinformation of the second list, the display initially displays thesecond list.
 16. A printing apparatus having a plurality of sheetholding units, wherein the printing apparatus is configured to print animage on a sheet conveyed from any one of the plurality of sheet holdingunits, the printing apparatus comprising: a display configured todisplay one of (i) a first display including information of part of theplurality of sheet holding units, and (ii) a second display, includinginformation of another sheet holding unit, of the plurality of sheetholding units, which is not displayed in the first display; a userinterface configured to receive an instruction for causing the firstdisplay displayed by the display to transition to the second display;and a controller configured to control the display based on theinstruction received by the user interface, wherein the controllercontrols the display such that, in a case when an empty state occurs ina sheet holding unit of the part of the plurality of sheet holding unitsincluded in the information of the first display, the display initiallydisplays the first display, and, in a case when an empty state occurs inthe other sheet holding unit included in the information of the seconddisplay, the display initially displays the second display.
 17. Theprinting apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the display furtherdisplays a list including the information of the sheet holding unit inwhich the empty state occurs, and an object for receiving theinstruction from a user.
 18. The printing apparatus according to claim16, wherein the display displays a list including the information of thesheet holding unit in which the empty state occurs in a state in whichthe information of the sheet holding unit in which the empty stateoccurs, is visually emphasized.
 19. The printing apparatus according toclaim 16, wherein information of sheet holding units, of the pluralityof sheet holding units, included in the first display to be initiallydisplayed by the display, in a state in which there is no sheet holdingunit, of the plurality of sheet holding units, in which the empty stateoccurs, and information of sheet holding units, of the plurality ofsheet holding units, included in the second display to be initiallydisplayed by the display, in a state in which there is a sheet holdingunit in which the empty state occurs, are different from each other inat least one part.
 20. The printing apparatus according to claim 16,wherein a list of sheet holding units in the first display and a list ofsheet holding units in the second display unit are lists that aredifferent from each other.
 21. The printing apparatus according to claim20, wherein a list of sheet holding units in the first display and alist of sheet holding units in the second display unit are lists thatare different from each other, and each of the list in the first displayand the list in the second display is displayed in a page that aredifferent from each other.
 22. A method of controlling a printingapparatus having a plurality of sheet holding units, wherein theprinting apparatus is configured to print an image on a sheet conveyedfrom any one of the plurality of sheet holding units, the methodcomprising: displaying one of (i) a first display including informationof part of the plurality of sheet holding units, and (ii) a seconddisplay, including information of another sheet holding unit, of theplurality of sheet holding units, which is not displayed in the firstdisplay; receiving an instruction for causing the first displaydisplayed by the display to transition to the second display; andcontrolling, based on the instruction received in the receiving, suchthat, in a case when an empty state occurs in a sheet holding unit ofthe part of the plurality of sheet holding units included in theinformation of the first display, to initially display the firstdisplay, and, in a case when an empty state occurs in the other sheetholding unit included in the information of the second display, toinitially display the second display.
 23. The method according to claim22, wherein the display further displays a list including theinformation of the sheet holding unit in which the empty state occurs,and an object for receiving the instruction from a user.
 24. The methodaccording to claim 22, wherein the display displays a list including theinformation of the sheet holding unit in which the empty state occurs ina state in which the information of the sheet holding unit in which theempty state occurs, is visually emphasized.
 25. The method according toclaim 22, wherein information of sheet holding units, of the pluralityof sheet holding units, included in the first display to be initiallydisplayed by the display, in a state in which there is no sheet holdingunit, of the plurality of sheet holding units, in which the empty stateoccurs, and information of sheet holding units, of the plurality ofsheet holding units, included in the second display to be initiallydisplayed by the display, in a state in which there is a sheet holdingunit in which the empty state occurs, are different from each other inat least one part.
 26. The method according to claim 22, wherein a listof sheet holding units in the first display and a list of sheet holdingunits in the second display unit are lists that are different from eachother.
 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein a list of sheetholding units in the first display and a list of sheet holding units inthe second display unit are lists that are different from each other,and each of the list in the first display and the list in the seconddisplay is displayed in a page that are different from each other.